The City of Penticton today announced they are concerned about unpermitted construction and renovation projects amid COVID-19.
Over the past few weeks, the City explained in a release, their Business and Licensing Department has encountered a number of projects starting without inspections or permits.
They are reminding residents who are planning on beginning new construction or renovation projects to do so only with the proper permits in place and licensed contractors hired.
“Although City Hall may be closed to the public, we are still available and have put measures in place to ensure that we are meeting to the needs of the construction industry and monitoring unpermitted work,” said the City’s deputy director of development services, Ken Kunka.
Permits, the City explained, help ensure minimum health, safety and land use regulations are being met. They also assist in regulating trades that may not be licensed to work in the city.
Under provincial law, the City said, every owner is responsible for ensuring construction meets B.C. building regulations. Additionally, complications can arise when selling or re-mortgaging a property when it is found that work took place without the required permits.
When working with licensed contractors, the City reminded homeowners to maintain a safe COVID-19 working environment through social distancing and WorkSafe BC standards.
For more information regarding building permits, contact the Building Department at 250-490-2571 or email buildinginfo@penticton.ca to arrange a consultation or digital application.
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